Internal/External

Announcement Date: May 24, 2024

Announcement Closing: Open Until Filled

Announcement Number: 24-15

Title: Municipal Court Clerk/ Magistrate

Department: Municipal Court

Hours: M-F, 8 AM – 4:30 PM

FLSA Classification: Salary, Exempt

Nature of Work

This is a highly responsible administrative work in the supervision of complex municipal court records, related court activities, and in performing statutory functions of the City of Guntersville Municipal Court. Work also includes supervision of subordinate Municipal Court employees and overall operations of the City of Guntersville Municipal Court. Work is primarily reviewed by the presiding City of Guntersville Municipal Judge for conformity, within limits set by laws, Supreme Court Rules of Alabama, and by ordinances of the City of Guntersville. Worked is performed under the general supervision of the Mayor.

Essential Functions

• The clerk shall be the chief administrative officer of the Guntersville Municipal Court and shall answer to the municipal judge, or, if court has more than one judge, then to the presiding judge.
• Keep indexes to ensure ready reference to any action or proceeding filed in court, in accordance with such procedures as may be established by the Administrative Director of Courts.
• Issues all process and notices required by law or direction of the court.
• Remits, as provided by law or rule, all fines, forfeitures, and costs of court, to the officials designated to receive such money at the municipal, county, and state level.
• Responsible for accepting, receipting, and accounting of all monies which pass through the municipal court system and the Court Clerk/Magistrate’s office, to include but not limited to fines, fees, costs, and restitution, and shall safeguard and disburse such funds, as required by law.
• Prepares documents for filing and maintains a log of all cases appealed to the circuit court, in accordance with the statues and the rules of the Supreme Court of Alabama.
• Ensures that the Guntersville Municipal Court office is open for the transaction of business when court is in session.
• Prepares and approves court docket for municipal court sessions; provides information to city attorney in their preparation of cases for trial in municipal court; attends and assist City Judge in all sessions of municipal court.
• Certifies records and serves as the custodian of court records as required by ordinance, or other law, the municipal governing body, the judge, Supreme Court rule, or the Administrative Director of Courts.
• Responsible for the handling of municipal court case files, assign case numbers, and all associated paperwork.
• Takes the complaint’s sworn affidavit, issues the arrest warrant, records and files the warrant for municipal ordinance violation.
• Accepts guilty pleas in minor misdemeanor cases where a schedule of fines has been prescribed and in-takes uniform traffic citations and accepts payment in pleas of guilty.
• Grants and sets bail in minor misdemeanor prosecutions according to a discretionary bail schedule, and also authorizes the release of defendants on their personal recognizance.
• Supervises subordinate staff; organizes and assigns all daily activities and operations within the City of Guntersville Municipal Court Office; observes job performance and prepares performance evaluations; councils staff and performs disciplinary action when necessary.
• Performs other administrative tasks that the judge is not required to perform personally, as may be required by law, rule, court order or directive of the Administrative Director of Courts.
• In cooperation with Human Resource Department, evaluates applications, conducts interviews, and makes recommendation for new hires.
• These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive duties. Other duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted, or changed at any given time at the discretion of the Street Maintenance Supervisor. It may be done formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Substantial knowledge of Alabama Laws, including City of Guntersville ordinances, applying to court rules, procedures, and statutory requirements relating to the operations and record keeping of municipal court.
• Substantial knowledge of criminal law, legal terminology, documents and laws, rules, and regulations governing the filing and recording of legal instruments.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices, procedures, and equipment, including knowledge of the technologies and capabilities of electronic data processing equipment.
• Knowledge of financial record keeping procedures involved in court operations.
• Skills in excellent written and oral communications.
• Skills in excellent organizational and managerial functions.
• Skills in the use of personal computer and to utilize applicable software.
• Ability to attend off-site training classes, professional meetings and keep all required continuing education credits up to date.
• Ability to attend weekly court sessions.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, holidays and weekends when necessary in support of department operations.
• Ability to work independently with or little or no supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, co-workers, subordinate staff, Mayor, City Judge, City Attorney, general public, and those in contact in the course of work.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a valid Driver’s License and have a driving record suitable for insurability.
• High school diploma from an accredited high school or G.E.D. equivalent.
• Possess Magistrate Certification from Alabama Administrative Office of Courts with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in a municipal court administration and applying knowledge of court rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Must be bondable.

Desirable Qualifications

• Working knowledge of Municipal Software Group (MSG) court software preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, standing, bending, reaching, and carrying of at least 25 pounds such as books, paper, office supplies, file folders and electronic or computer equipment.

This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other essential functions (as covered under the ADA) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be ask to perform other duties required. This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions and position responsibilities. Nothing in the job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Application Process:

Applications may be obtained from the City of Guntersville Personnel Office at 341 Gunter Ave, Guntersville, AL or visit our website at www.guntersvilleal.org. Completed applications for qualified applicants should be returned to the City of Guntersville Personnel Department. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

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